Spurs back at practice after Mexican disaster

SAN ANTONIO — The Spurs finally returned to the practice floor Friday, two days after an ill-fated trip to Mexico City that couldn't have ended worse had the entire team contracted a case of Montezuma's revenge.

After having Wednesday's game against Minnesota postponed because of a smoke-inducing generator problem at Mexico City Arena, the team did not arrive in San Antonio until about 10:30 a.m. Thursday after inclement weather routed the charter plane through Dallas-Fort Worth.

Back in the smokeless comforts of the practice gym, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich expressed disappointment the historic game in Mexico City could not be played.

“It was too bad,” Popovich said. “The people were so excited. That was the worst part of the whole thing. They were looking forward to it, and it was just a huge disappointment in the end.”

Popovich supported the NBA's decision to reschedule the game for a date to be determined in Minneapolis.

“The league waited as long as they could and probably beyond that just to make sure, because there were so many people counting on the game,” Popovich said. “It was a big decision, but it was the right one. It was the only decision that could be made.”

Despite the trip's near-constant state of misadventure, Spurs guard Manu Ginobili said the team made enough memories to last a lifetime.

“Just another anecdote,” Ginobili said. “It goes in the book.”

Back at it: With Wednesday's game scratched, Saturday's visit from the NBA-leading Indiana Pacers will mark the Spurs' first game since beating Atlanta on Monday.

On top of that, the Spurs until Friday hadn't scheduled a full practice in three days.

That relative period of inactivity, rare for the middle of a season, has Popovich concerned about the team's rhythm and endurance.

“The guys were pretty tired today after a little bit of a practice,” Popovich said. “With what went on with the plane (Thursday), there was no way we could get on the court. It ended up being a very long trip.”

Splitter in doubt: The Spurs could be without center Tiago Splitter, who was limited in Friday's workout because of tightness in his left calf.

The 6-foot-10 Splitter would come in handy against the Pacers' bruising front line of David West and All-Star Roy Hibbert.

“He didn't have contact today,” Popovich said of Splitter. “I don't think it looks good (for Saturday). We're keeping him out, and he'll test it tomorrow.”

If Splitter cannot play, Boris Diaw would likely start next to Tim Duncan in the frontcourt. It could also create backup minutes for Jeff Ayres, who played last season for the Pacers under the last name Pendergraph.